The Jon Gordon Podcast

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Francis Ablola, pioneering entrepreneur and one of the world's leading AI experts, for an open and practical conversation about harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence in work and life.


 
From his early days as a web developer and first-time entrepreneur—crossing paths with me at a book signing—to building a thriving team that's at the forefront of AI education and business applications, Francis Ablola's journey is one of relentless learning and reinvention. In our conversation, he shares how embracing AI has allowed him (and the people he mentors) to do more—to delegate, streamline, and even delete the day's biggest distractions. Together, we dive into real-life examples of using AI as a "second brain," building custom digital assistants, and creating systems that empower both business leaders and everyday people.
 


Along the way, Francis Ablola addresses the fears and misconceptions about AI replacing jobs, explains why learning these new tools is the key to becoming "superhuman" at work, and offers actionable ways anyone—no matter their experience—can get started, stay productive, and have fun with AI. Whether you're a leader looking to empower your team, a business owner searching for efficiency, or simply curious about what AI can do for your daily life, this episode will inspire you to see technology not as a threat, but as a tool for growth, creativity, and balance. Dive in for meaningful insights, uplifting encouragement, and a practical roadmap to thrive in the age of AI.




 
About Francis -
Francis Ablola is an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, AI expert, and CEO of REAL Advisors, LLC. For more than a decade, he has helped entrepreneurs and organizations accelerate growth through innovative marketing, advertising, technology, and business strategy.

Today, Francis is at the forefront of helping business leaders harness the power of artificial intelligence to work smarter, create more efficiently, and scale their impact. He teaches practical ways to integrate AI into everyday workflows—from developing a distinct brand voice and creating content to conducting audience research, streamlining marketing, and building AI-powered systems and tools.

Francis has managed millions of dollars in online advertising that has generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue and helped grow REAL Advisors into one of America's fastest-growing private companies, reaching #80 on the Inc. 500 list in 2020. A sought-after speaker, trainer, and consultant, he has presented to audiences across the United States and around the world on AI, marketing, sales, and rapid business growth.

Known for making emerging technology practical and approachable, Francis helps leaders move beyond simply experimenting with AI and begin using it intentionally to save time, amplify their authentic voice, and build more effective businesses.
For free training on how to get started using AI in your business, join Francis's 3-day virtual event at AIforBusiness.com.














Here's a few additional resources for you…
Do you feel called to share your story with the world? Check out Gordon Publishing 
Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11
Check out my newest book, The Power of Positive Habits. 
Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.
Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here!
Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode, I share a live speech I gave to the coaches and players of the Boston College football team  

Whether you're an athlete, coach, leader, or part of a team, this message will challenge you to rise above negativity, bring out the best in those around you, and become the kind of person others can count on—a forever teammate.

If this message encourages you, share the episode with someone who could use it!


 





Here's a few additional resources for you…
Do you feel called to share your story with the world? Check out Gordon Publishing 
Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11
Check out my newest book, The Power of Positive Habits. 
Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.
Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here!
Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

On this episode I sit down with legendary high school football coach Dwight Lundeen for an inspiring conversation about his remarkable 57-year career and the heart-driven leadership philosophy that built a powerhouse program in Becker, Minnesota.
Coach Lundeen's story is one of humble beginnings—starting a football program from scratch, guiding it from just 17 players to over 500 boys involved. Through decades at the helm, he's not just amassed state championships and hundreds of wins, but left an imprint across three generations of student-athletes, families, and his community.
In our conversation, Coach Lundeen reveals the secret behind his longevity and success: building an unshakable culture rooted in positivity, servant leadership, and above all, love. He shares practical wisdom for connecting with both players and parents, modeling gratitude and resilience, and fostering an environment where young men grow as teammates and people—win or lose.
From "happy hour" practices, to intentional team-building traditions at his family cabin, to his steadfast standard of accountability, Coach Lundeen offers a blueprint for how connection yields commitment, and how love can transform lives and communities.
About Dwight -
For 57 years, Dwight Lundeen has done something almost unheard of in high school football:
He has dedicated his entire head coaching career to one school, Becker High School in Becker, Minnesota.  He is the only head coach in Becker School history and has led the program to more than 400 victories along with championships, awards, and countless memorable moments.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
What makes Coach Lundeen remarkable is that after 57 years, his greatest measure of success isn't the wins, the championships or the records – it's the lives he has influenced.  He has used football as a vehicle to teach young people about character,  discipline, perseverance, relationships, leadership and what it means to live with purpose.
Thousands of players have called him Coach Lundeen.  But his greatest legacy may be found in the men they became long after they stopped playing for him.
His story is a powerful reminder than success can be measured in wins, but impact is measured in lives.
Success is Temporary, Impact is Forever. - 57 Years of Influence






Here's a few additional resources for you…
Do you feel called to share your story with the world? Check out Gordon Publishing 
Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11
Check out my newest book, The Power of Positive Habits. 
Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.
Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here!
Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

On this episode, I sit down with Doug Dentler, CFO and author of Rise to Lead, for an honest, insightful conversation about what it really takes to elevate your leadership in today's workplace.
Doug shares the highs and lows of his corporate journey, from early days "mimicking" leadership styles he thought would help him succeed, to reaching a breakthrough when he realized true leadership starts from within. Drawing from decades in finance and executive roles, Doug opens up about the transformative moments that led him to create the RISE Framework: Root yourself in purpose, Implement an intentional plan, Serve others, and Elevate with positivity.
In our discussion, Doug reflects on how leadership has evolved from the days of tough accountability to a more human, purpose-driven approach. He reveals powerful stories of personal change - how re-centering his purpose impacted both his career and family, why coaching was a turning point, and the legacy that comes from serving others and fostering positive cultures. Doug's practical tips for being intentional, learning from mistakes, and investing in people will inspire any leader, seasoned or aspiring, to rethink what's possible in their own journey.
About Doug –
Doug Dentler is a financial executive and leadership strategist with more than 25 years of experience across Fortune 500 and privately held organizations. He combines operational finance expertise with a disciplined, people-centered leadership approach that drives execution and performance.
He leads complex, global operations, including oversight of more than $1.5B in revenue, 1,900 employees, and multi-site organizations. He builds teams that operate as strategic partners, aligns cross-functional leaders around clear priorities, and implements processes that increase efficiency, accountability, and results.
Grounded in values learned working in his family's business, he serves others with transparency, consistency, and a commitment to both performance and people. Colleagues consistently recognize his ability to remain steady under pressure, quickly identify core issues, and guide teams toward focused execution.
But he also experienced burnout, disconnection, and promotions that felt hollow. He was climbing but not growing, until he finally learned to lead as his authentic self.
He developed the RISE Framework to give leaders and teams what he wished he had – a clear, proven system for leading from the inside out, backed by time-tested leadership principles. His work strengthens leaders, improves team engagement, and creates cultures that sustain performance.
To work with Doug for coaching, team development, executive strategy, or speaking engagements, visit dougdentler.com.
Connect with Doug: doug@dougdentler.com
Buy the book plus claim the bonus resource: http://dougdentler.com/risetolead
 

 
Let us help you take your next steps in writing or publishing your book! Schedule a free Author Session at: https://gordonpublishing.com/session
 
Rather watch this message? You can access the workshop replay at: https://jongordon.com/webinar-how-to-write-publish-and-market-a-book/
Here's a few additional resources for you…
Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11
Check out my newest book, The Power of Positive Habits. 
Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.
Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here!
Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

Join me and legendary Northwestern women's lacrosse coach Kelly Amonte Hiller for an insightful and inspiring conversation about championship culture, adversity, and the mindset that drives sustained excellence.
Kelly's journey is a masterclass in resilience and evolution—from leading her team through an uncharacteristically tough start to the season, to capturing her ninth national championship as a coach on home turf. She shares the behind-the-scenes process of overcoming setbacks, the power of reflection, and the importance of getting everyone "rowing in the same direction." Kelly opens up about the origins of her work ethic, the blue-collar values instilled by her family, and how embracing adversity and self-honesty have been critical for both personal and team growth.
We dive deep into the philosophies that have shaped her dynastic program: a relentless commitment to hard work, the humility to look in the mirror, and the courage to constantly evolve. Kelly also discusses the impact of supporting her former players now turned coaches, the beauty of fostering growth in young women, and the ultimate legacy of her leadership—building a culture where true greatness is measured not just in wins, but in the long-lasting bonds formed along the way.
About Kelly –
Already a legend in the game as a player, Kelly Amonte Hiller has established herself as one of the sport's greatest coaches after building Northwestern Lacrosse into a dynasty. In May of 2005, Amonte Hiller etched her name in the annals of college athletics when she guided her upstart Northwestern team to an undefeated season and the first NCAA Lacrosse Championship ever won by a team outside the Eastern Time Zone, the first of an incredible nine national titles.
Under Amonte Hiller's direction the Wildcats most recently claimed the 2026 NCAA National Championship, her ninth as the head coach of the program. Amonte Hiller became the first Division I lacrosse coach (men's or women's) to win nine national titles, guiding NU to a championship win on home soil for the first time since 1986 (Maryland). The 'Cats took down three IWLCA No. 1-ranked squads throughout the course of the season, the most in a campaign in NCAA History. Northwestern has made six consecutive appearances in the NCAA Semifinals (2019-26), reaching the finals the last four consecutive seasons.
After resurrecting a Northwestern program that had not competed at the varsity level in more than 10 years, Amonte Hiller led the Wildcats to the national semifinals 10 years in a row from 2005 to 2014 and tied an NCAA record with eight consecutive title game appearances in the process. Northwestern's dominance since its breakthrough 2005 season has been nothing short of legendary. Since 2004, Northwestern has gone 63-13 (.829) in the NCAA Tournament, making Amonte Hiller the winningest coach in tournament history.
Along the way, Amonte Hiller has produced the nation's Tewaaraton Award winner in eight different seasons as well as the Honda Sports Award recipient on 10 occasions. Northwestern has featured 75 IWLCA All-Americans and won a total of 13 IWLCA positional Player of the Year awards (four attacker, five midfielder and four defender).
Northwestern's rapid rise to national prominence under Amonte Hiller — particularly in an area of the country rarely associated with women's lacrosse — has caught the eyes of many, in and out of lacrosse. In 2011, ESPN The Magazine named Amonte Hiller one of the 20 best recruiters across all college sports, joining the likes of other multiple-time NCAA champion coaches Mike Krzyzewski of Duke (men's basketball) and Anson Dorrance of North Carolina (women's soccer). In 2012, the Big Ten Network profiled the NU head coach as one of 12 Big Ten coaching icons in the conference's history, putting her in the company of Big Ten legends such as Bobby Knight (Indiana), Bo Schembechler (Michigan) and Dan Gable (Iowa). In 2026, the NCAA Championship game between the Wildcats and UNC set a record with 657,000 viewers, making the first championship game hosted at Northwestern the most-watched women's lacrosse game in history.
In February of 2018, Amonte Hiller was announced as the head coach of United States Lacrosse Women's U19 team, where she guided the United States to a gold medal at the 2019 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) Women's U19 World Championship in Peterborough, Ontario. Four other Wildcats also found their way onto the team: Madison Doucette, Elle Hansen, Izzy Scane and Greta Stahl.
Amonte Hiller led the United States to another gold medal at the 2024 World Lacrosse Women's World Championship in Hong Kong, China, after beating Canada 23-6. She mentored five fellow Wildcats on the U20 roster during the championship run, including Francesca Argentieri, Noel Cumberland, Hannah Rudolph, Madison Smith, and Madison Taylor.
During the 2026 season, Amonte Hiller reached 400 career wins with a road win against Penn State. All 400 wins came at the helm of Northwestern, as she became the sixth coach in Division I women's lacrosse history to reach the milestone.
Here's a few additional resources for you…
Do you feel called to share your story with the world? Check out Gordon Publishing 
Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11
Check out my newest book, The Power of Positive Habits. 
Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.
Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here!
Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!